John Brent Zundel, a Willard resident known as a "Mountain Man Extraordinaire," passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in Brigham City, Utah. He was 83 years old and was surrounded by friends and family at the time of his death.
Family and Early Life
Zundel was born on September 1, 1943, to Stephen Ulysses and Ethel Ruth Myers Zundel of Willard, Utah. He was raised in Willard and was an alumnus of Box Elder High School.
Zundel married Carole Jean Rallison on September 16, 1960, and the couple had two sons, Jay and Tracy, before they were later divorced. He subsequently married Marla Johnson on June 18, 1965, and the couple remained married for 60 years. Together, they raised a daughter, Christine.
Professional Career and Business Ventures
Zundel's professional life spanned several industries and locations. During the early years of the computer age, he worked in data processing for Thiokol. He later moved his family to Arizona for a period of time to continue that work, during which time he earned his pilot's license and held shared ownership in three small planes.
After returning to Utah in 1968, Zundel worked as a newspaper distributor for the Ogden Standard Examiner. His career also included serving as a part-time police officer for the Willard City Police Department. Following a business venture involving the manufacturing of pre-fabricated furniture that did not succeed, Zundel transitioned to selling electronic components for Arrow Electronics. He later served as a regional sales manager for Wyle Industries before leaving the corporate sector in 1993 to open a Postnet store with Marla. The business eventually expanded to three locations before his retirement.
Outdoors and Community Life
An avid outdoorsman, Zundel had a profound interest in the wilderness and hunting. He particularly enjoyed annual hunting trips that introduced him to muzzleloading, which eventually sparked a lifelong interest in Mountain Man Rendezvous.
Within those communities, Zundel was a well-known figure, often referred to by various names depending on the situation, including "Wapiti," "Mountain Man Extraordinaire," "Reverend Billy Saltine," or "The Twinkie Man."
Survivors and Predeceased Family
Zundel is survived by his sister, Monie Westley, and two brothers, Wynn Zundel and Rick Zundel. He is also survived by his children, Jay Zundel, Tracy Zundel, and Christine Stephensen, as well as 10 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marla, as well as his brothers, Robert Zundel and Steve Zundel, and his sister, Norma Dee Torgeson.
Service Information
A viewing for Zundel is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Willard 2nd Ward Chapel, located at 665 W. 7615 S. in Willard, Utah. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the same location.
Interment will take place at the Willard City Cemetery following the funeral service. The family expressed gratitude to Myers Mortuary, the staff at McKay-Dee Hospital, and Maple Springs Assisted Living. An obituary for Zundel is expected to be published in the Box Elder News Journal on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
Memorial Tributes
The family noted that condolences, memories, and pictures can be shared via a dedicated Remember Page on the Myers Mortuary website.
